Where to Stay in Santorini ✔️ 10 Top Areas & Hotels (2024)

Kalimera traveler, and welcome to my blog post where I share my best advice on where to stay in Santorini, Greece’s most beautiful volcanic island! As a lifetime lover of all things Greek, I decided to explore one of the most visited Cyclades islands and share with you the best villages and hotels in each place!

Fira is the best place to stay for first-timers since it’s the cosmopolitan capital of the island and it looks as if it came out of a fairy tale. 

But I also have 9 more villages and areas to recommend that I nearly sorted according to interest, and included the hotels by budget! Yes, I did compare all the top-rated accommodations and only included the places where I’d stay myself! 

It’s super important to book your stay in Santorini months (and even a year) in advance, especially if you plan to be centrally located! So many travelers, including some of my friends, have had to pay hundreds of dollars extra money because they didn’t book in advance, but you can learn from their mistakes!

2024 UPDATE: A 4% well-deserved cashback on hotels booked with links from this post!

We have partnered with Booking.com, and they will give you 4% cashback for your stay! We hope this exclusive perk will help you book your dream holiday for a popular destination like Santorini. Enjoy!

How does it work? This cashback will count as a credit you can use once you check out from your hotel and use it on your next stay. Pretty nice deal, huh? It looks like this:

Which hotels and links qualify? This discount is available to ALL hotels on booking.com. We made it easy for you to get the cashback: click on any link in this post with the green icon next to it!

Can I get the cashback more times? YES! You can always return to this post if you want to book another hotel in another destination and use the links again.

If you’re in a hurry

These are the best hotels in Fira to book now:

Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

Here’s a quick map to help you visualize all the Santorini areas I’ll discuss in this post:

Useful facts to know when planning a trip to Santorini

• Caldera villages in the North of the island are the most popular region of Santorini, where the whitewashed houses and typical Cycladic architecture can be seen. Caldera cliff villages encompass Fira, Oia, Firostefani, and Imerovigli. These are also the most expensive places to stay, while cheaper areas are further South and East of Caldera.
• If you visit during the season (June to September), the island will get crowded. In that case, I recommend exploring the backstreets and visiting alternative sunset-watching spots I’ll share below.
• Comfortable shoes are a MUST (good physical condition is a big plus, too), since Santorini is quite hilly, especially around Caldera towns.
• Santorini has a public bus system (KTEL Santorini) with daily departures from the central bus station in Fira to other villages. However, car rental is the best option to get around the island. You can also rent a bike, an ATV, and other vehicles.

1. Fira – where to stay in Santorini first time

Fira is a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of Santorini where you’ll find it all – the best views (think the Three Bells of Fira (map)), delicious restaurants, scenic hotels, parties, shops, you name it.

If you are traveling without a car, visiting for the first time, or want to be based in the center of all the action on the island, choose Fira!

Did you know that the island of Santorini formed due to a giant volcanic eruption some 3,600 years ago? This was one of the largest volcanic eruptions ever recorded in human history!

The Museum of Prehistoric Thira and Archaeological Museum of Thera in Fira take you on a journey to Bronze-Age Cycladic culture and tell the fascinating story of the island, so plan a stop here to learn more about history!

Also, past visitors say that the Old Harbor area (map) is delightful to walk in, and you can get a cable car to get down (Fira is located on a steep cliff, Caldera), or if you’re light-weighted, you can even get a donkey ride!

Two volcanic islands (map), Palaia Kammeni and Nea Kameni, can be seen in the sea just off the coast of Fira, and you can even take tours to climb the craters and learn about the island’s impressive volcanic history!

PRO TIP: Fira is a wonderful place to catch a sunset, but it’s also crowded. Avoid the central viewpoints and find a spot at a rooftop bar or on a quiet backstreet! This way, you can enjoy the sunset without kicking elbows with strangers!

For nature lovers, I recommend a hike from Fira to Oia, the second most popular place to stay in Santorini! It’s a bit long (10 km or 6.2 miles), but it’s so worth it for scenic views!

Enjoy walking, take pictures of local cats, and remember to take regular breaks and drink plenty of water!

NOTE: The official Greek name for Santorini is Thira or Thera (Θήρα)—don’t be surprised to see this written all over the island, but also don’t confuse it with Fira, the capital! In daily speech, Greeks will usually refer to Santorini as Santorini!

Other accommodation options in Fira

Things to do in Fira

2. Oia – where to stay in Santorini for luxury

Oia is just as popular for its dramatic cliffs and typical Santorini views as Fira and the rest of Caldera. It’s located on the Northern tip of the island, some 15 km (9.3 miles) from Fira.

If you want to really splurge on your stay and have a room overlooking the blue-domed churches (map), the signature spot of Santorini, book your stay in Oia!

Oia was most likely built in the 15th century, and its rich history can be seen in the remnants of the old Venetian castle known as Oia Castle (map).

The castle was built to protect the island from pirate attacks and is one of the island’s top attractions. It is extremely busy during the season, so I definitely recommend planning a trip here in early or late summer to have the views and the streets for yourself!

Sunset in Oia is out of this world, and it’s a top sight probably in all of Greece! If you don’t stay in Oia, plan at least one trip here during the sunset!

PRO TIP: A catamaran sunset cruise (multiple ones are available across the area) offers stunning views of Oia and Caldera without the crowds! And if you still want to stay in Oia but avoid tourist groups, there is a great alternative sunset-watching spot just below the castle! Take the narrow streets downward instead of upward when entering the castle, and you’ll find it!

Also, visit Ammoudi Bay and Beach (map) for a laid-back, tranquil night out in seaside restaurants enjoying the views. Do note that if you walk (getting here is also possible by car), there are plenty of stairs, so comfy shoes and healthy knees are highly recommended!

FUN FACT: Oia was one of the filming locations for the famous Angelina Jolie movie Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life!

Below, I share the top places to stay in Oia, but we have a whole article where we share the 20 best hotels in this beautiful place, so you can check it out here!

Other accommodation options in Oia

Things to do in Oia

• Take beautiful pics of the Windmill of Oia (map)
• Book a table on the top floor of Melitini Restaurant (map) and have dinner with a view
• Go on a catamaran sunset cruise to escape the crowds on Oia Castle
• Visit the lovely Church of Panagia Akathistos Hymn (map)
• Spend a day at Ammoudi Beach
• Explore local souvenir shops

3. Imerovigli – where to stay in Santorini for stunning sunsets

Imerovigli has one of the best sunset-watching spots in Santorini, a perfect alternative to the crowded Santorini Oia Castle! It’s called Skaros Rock (map), it’s part of the ruins of an ancient castle, and it’s great for Caldera views!

This is your typical Santorini village with Cycladian architecture, whitewashed buildings, and sapphire domes! Oia is just 2.5 km (1.6 miles) away North of Fira and less than 1 km (0.6 miles) from Firostefani, another beautiful Caldera village.

Imerovigli actually means “viewpoint,” given that locals used to watch pirate ships from this village throughout history! Talk about fantastic views from Imerovigli!

The viewpoint from the Agios Georgios Chapel (map) is one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset, but the nearby restaurants are also a gem if you want to grab dinner at the same time!

I also like to recommend Imerovigli to everyone who wants to be in a central location on Caldera but without the hustle and bustle of Fira and Oia. Imerovigli is romantic and has a fair amount of restaurants and hotels, but it’s also secluded and perfect for long strolls.

Other accommodation options in Imerovigli

Things to do in Imerovigli

4. Firostefani – where to stay in Santorini for seclusion

Firostefani is a part of Caldera that starts just 250 meters (820 feet) North of the Three Bells of Fira, the main tourist attraction of Fira and the whole of Santorini!

Firostefani is one of the least spoiled villages in Caldera, and it’s perfect for seclusion and tranquility you’re unlikely to find in the surrounding villages, especially during the high season.

Also, the 10-km (6.2-mile) hike that connects Oia with Fira also passes through Firostefani (and Imerovigli), so you can hop on the trail anytime!

And since Firostefani is technically a continuation of Fira, you can stay within walking distance of the center of all the action on the island, but without all the hustle and bustle!

Other accommodation options in Firostefani

Things to do in Firostefani

• Enjoy the cliff and sea view from the Firostefani Central Square (map)
• Go on a 3-hour panoramic Blue Shade Tour of Firostefani, Oia, and Imerovigli
• Rent a scooter (map) and have fun with it around the island
• Try moussaka and enjoy the sunset views in the iconic Onar Restaurant Bar (map)
• Capture the beautiful interior of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (map)

5. Perissa & Perivolos – where to stay for beaches

Welcome to Santorini’s Southeast Coast, where beach vacations and dream-like wedding ceremonies take place! Yes, the center of the action for water sports and relaxing on the beach is here. The Perissa and Perivolos villages are some 12 km (7.4 miles) away from Fira town.

This part of the Greek island is mostly about relaxing in the sun, eating out, sipping cocktails, and taking a break from active sightseeing, hiking, and sunset views. But since this part of the island looks East, you can actually wake up early and enjoy an amazing sunrise!

Just a short ride from Perissa is the Venetian castle of Emporio (map), an ideal spot and village for taking in the views and enjoying a tranquil Santorini village without that tourist hype. That’s raw Santorini right there!

You can also rent a boat (here’s a top-rated agency), and even if you’ve never driven one, the staff are so nice and will give you detailed explanations!

For the gourmets out there, I recommend trying fresh seafood and local Greek specialties like shrimp saganaki, oven feta cheese, or, of course, the iconic gyro (this is the best place for it)!

Other accommodation options in Perissa and Perivolos

Things to do in Perissa and Perivolos

6. Pyrgos – a traditional village to stay in Santorini

Pyrgos is a small village 5 km (3.1 miles) South of Fira, and it’s a typical traditional village in a mountainous region with its maze-like narrow streets filled with authentic shops, delicious restaurants, and picturesque churches.

The top attraction in this beautiful town is the Pyrgos Kallistis Castle (map). It offers scenic views of Oia, Fira, and the Aegean Sea! Do rely on street signs to get to the castle instead of Gmaps, as the navigation doesn’t always function well here!

This place is a real hidden gem (as said by many past visitors), and you can only find independent travelers here – no big travel groups fighting for their sunset spots like in Fira or Oia!

Pyrgos used to be the capital city of Santorini and is, until today, one of the island’s best-preserved Santorini towns!

Pyrgos also has plenty of spots for wine tasting! Santo Wines (map) has walking and tasting tours during sunset (overlooking Caldera towns), definitely one of the best things to do in Santorini for couples! Everyone raves about their sweet wine called Vinsanto. Apparently, you can’t find it anywhere else, and it’s to die for!

A downside of staying here, however, is the lack of direct access to the sea. Kamari Beach is the nearest one, some 6 km (3.7 miles), which is still just a short ride away and shouldn’t be an issue if you’re visiting with a car. You can always catch a taxi or a bus to get around, too!

Other accommodation options in Pyrgos

Things to do in Pyrgos

7. Kamari – where to stay in Santorini with family

Kamari is a village just South of the Santorini Airport, 7.7 km (5 miles) Southeast of Fira. It’s your go-to place to stay in Santorini for beaches and affordable accommodation, which mostly suits those traveling with kids!

Chill at the Kamari Beach (map) with volcanic pebbles, one of the area’s most popular beaches. You can rent an umbrella and sunbeds here, and since the beach is really close to the airport, you can watch the planes land above your head!

PRO TIP: Get chairs and an umbrella for free by eating or having cocktails in seaside restaurants on the beach! Also, get some beach/water shoes as the pebbles here get too hot in the heat and make it almost impossible to walk.

Locals and tourists from all around Santorini flock to the Open Air Cinema in Kamari (map) to relax after a day in the sun. This is a cash-only venue and works as a first-come-first-served, so you don’t need to pre-book tickets online. It’s a nice place to spend an evening with your partner or with family. The movies are usually in English and have Greek subtitles!

For the history enthusiasts among you, visit the Ancient Thera archaeological site (map) and hike to the top to see dramatic Aegean Sea views and enjoy the remnants of the ancient city of Thera!

Other accommodation options in Kamari

Things to do in Kamari

• Spend a day at the Kamari Beach
• Eat the best souvlaki in town at Elias Grill (map)
• Catch a movie at the Open Air Cinema Kamari
• Hike to the nearby Ancient Thera
• Catch the sunrise at the iconic Sunrise Viewpoint (map)

8. Akrotiri – where to stay in Santorini for ancient history

Akrotiri is an ancient village located 10 km (6.2 miles) South of Fira, and it has some of the most spectacular views of the Caldera cliff villages.

The Archaeological Site of Akrotiri (map) is one of the oldest known Bronze Age settlements on the island! It’s got free Wi-Fi and all the tourist facilities you’ll need, so you can literally explore the whole day!

Akrotiri is also known as the Pompeii of Greece! The site used to be home to an ancient Minoan civilization, which was buried by a volcanic eruption more than 3500 years ago!

I also recommend a visit to the Venetian Castle (map), unofficially run by cats! Get your phone ready if you love to take pics of random cats on your trips like me!

In Akrotiri, you’ll find beaches of all colors, as I like to call them. The Black Beach (map) is a black sand beach (has black volcanic pebbles), the Red Beach (map) has the most dramatic views, surrounded by red cliffs and volcanic rocks, and the White Beach (map) is nestled among white cliffs!

Note that the road leading to some of the beaches (notably Black Beach) is a dirt road – take good care of your car when driving! You can take a cruise or a catamaran trip as an alternative to seeing these beaches from the water; people who visited say the views are even more stunning this way!

UNIQUE SIGHT: See cacti growing out of a 1992 Honda (map) just an 8-minute walk from the Akrotiri Santorini Venetian Castle!

Other accommodation options in Akrotiri

Things to do in Akrotiri

9. Megalochori – where to stay in Santorini for ferry trips + wine tasting

Megalochori is located 6.6 km (4 miles) South of Fira and just West of Pyrgos. The Santorini Port (Ormos Athinios in Greek) is located here (map), which makes this area a super popular drop-off destination for ferries from other parts of Greece.

Santorini Port receives more than 2 million passengers every year!

The port in Megalochori, however, doesn’t serve as a cruise dock – the main dock for cruise ships is the Old Port of Thira in Fira (map).

The center of Santorini’s wine production, Megalochori, is where the vineyards and wine tastings are an integral part of the tourist life! I recommend Venetsanos Winery (map) for wine tastings, but you’ll find many other great places here!

PRO TIP: If you love scenic picture spots, head to the Heart of Santorini (map). You’ll find the most beautiful panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the island, even a cute rock formation that actually resembles a heart! Perfect for taking beautiful pictures!

Other accommodation options in Megalochori

Things to do in Megalochori

• Catch a ferry to other Greek islands
• Buy bread, pastry, and just about any food in the iconic The Family Bakery (map)
• Go wine tasting in one of the local wineries
• Take breathtaking photos at the Heart of Santorini rock

10. Karterados – where to stay in Santorini for a laid-back vibe

Karterados is a friendly, traditional village just 20 minutes on foot from Fira! It’s super walkable, with sidewalks most of the way. You can drive here or use the bus to Fira, which passes here at least 2 times every hour.

You’ll find casual restaurants, mid-range and budget accommodation (but also a few luxury suites), and a rich heritage that dates back to the 17th century. This actually used to be a popular village for captains, as they built their homes here!

Katerina’s Traditional restaurant (map) is a must-try, especially the fava dip and moussaka!

Other than restaurants and a few shops, you won’t find many attractions here, which makes the village ideal for relaxation. You’re still just a short ride from Fira and the center of all the action on the island!

Other accommodation options in Karterados

Things to do in Karterados

• Walk the streets of the traditional village
• Eat out in Karterados restaurants and engage with the locals
• Take a walk to Fira or catch a bus there

FAQs about where to stay in Santorini

💙 Which part of Santorini is it best to stay in?

The Caldera towns in the North, notably Fira and Oia, are the best places to stay in Santorini for first-timers and anyone looking for a traditional Cycladic Santorini experience!

❓ Is it better to stay in Oia or Fira?

Both are fantastic! Fira is the island’s capital and has all the touristy and city amenities (including a bus transport hub), while Oia is an excellent choice for luxury. Both offer stunning views, whitewashed houses, and blue-domed churches.

🇬🇷 Where to stay for the first time in Santorini?

Stay in Fira or Oia for the first time. These are the most beautiful but also the most expensive Santorini villages. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford it (these 2 can be quite expensive), choose Imerovigli or Firostefani nearby!

✖️ Where to avoid staying in Santorini?

I can’t really point out any place you should avoid in Santorini. The island is safe, and where you should stay depends on your preferences and budget. I say rather don’t stay in Fira and Oia in the high season if you want to avoid the crowds. 

🏖️ Which is the best beach in Santorini?

The Red Beach is the most scenic and beautiful beach in Santorini. The red cliffs surrounding the beach give it a surreal look as if it were a location on Mars on another planet. Perisa and Perivolos have the best beaches for swimming!

🚶‍♀️ Is it safe to walk in Santorini at night?

Absolutely! Santorini is a safe island, and its streets are well-lit at night. Of course, be cautious and don’t walk alone in secluded areas or on poorly lit roads, as in any other city or place where you normally travel.

🚘 Where to stay in Santorini without a car?

Fira is the best area where to stay in Santorini without a car! The island’s capital has a good bus network so you can easily get around the island without a car!

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Santorini

That was all I had prepared for you in this blog post on where to stay in Santorini! Thank you for reading!

Hopefully, by now you have an idea about the perfect area and hotel for you! But if you’re still undecided (I’d probably be as well, given so many wonderful options), here are my 2 favorite places to stay on the island:

Please don’t forget to book your hotel in Santorini far in advance! I’m not kidding when I say that Fira and Oia get too crowded in the summer (June to September), and it’s almost impossible to find accommodation here last minute! 

If you have any questions or need more help planning your trip to Santorini, you can leave me a comment below! I’ll be glad to help!

Kalo taksidi (that was “have a good trip” in Greek!), 

Darija

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